Good Samaritan Society of St. James Pleasant View has been a pillar of the community for fifty years, since it opened its doors July 1, 1963.

In the time since Pleasant View began, the building has been home to more than 1,000 residents and their families and has employed more than 100 nurses, nurses aids, administrators and hundreds more volunteers.

More than a building for its residents, Pleasant View is made especially unique by the support it receives from the community and the loving care each one of its employees provides on a daily basis.

Volunteers are an important aspect of what makes Pleasant View a wonderful place for its residents.

Volunteers were accepted into Pleasant View when the building opened its doors in 1963.

Today, there are 67 volunteers who do a variety of activities with the residents of Pleasant View, Brandt Ridge and Prairie View.

In the volunteer section of the 50 year anniversary tabloid printed in late june, volunteer Jean Bruton said "It's a great feeling to give a little time to help people."

Volunteers will play piano for the residents and host sing alongs, along with playing cards, visiting with residents, serving coffee, providing pet visits, conducting trivia games, working at the fall Bazaar, taking blood pressure and many more activities.

Residents of Pleasant View also enjoy time quilting and have even had raffles in the past for quilts as a fundraiser. In the tabloid, Karen Haler, a former employee of Pleasant View and a current volunteer said "I'm sure there are a lot of people in the area that still enjoy these quilts today."

Activities at Pleasant View focus on a variety of programs to grow cognitive, spiritual, social, creative and physical aspects of each individual.

Residents of Pleasant View along with their staff will tell you that what keeps Pleasant View functioning successfully above all is a combination of faith and determination.

Christ is at the center of every activity Pleasant View offers its residents and is at the center of the Good Samaritan Society Mission statement: "To share God's love in word and deed by providing shelter and supportive services to older persons and others in need, believing that 'In Christ's Love, Everyone is Someone.'"

The closing line of that mission statement could be found on every table during the Sunday, June 30 celebration of 50 years in St. James appreciation lunch.

More than 100 members of the community joined the staff, volunteers and residents of Pleasant View to celebrate their influence in the community since they arrived in the area in 1963.

Staff served burgers, beans and cake to those who visited along with a keg of root beer. Entertainment was also provided in the form of piano and guitar music.

The day closed with a program which told stories of a Christ-centric mission that has helped Pleasant View grow and touch the lives of so many.

Page 2 of 2 - Chaplain and Pastor Jim Renz reflected in the anniversary tabloid that "It is our special joy to share God's love in Christ with every resident. As each of us – both young and old alike – continues to age, we need regular reminders that God's love to us has not changed. If we face difficulties as we mature, He allows them so we learn more and more to put our complete trust in Him for our faith and salvation."

Congratulations to the Good Samaritan Society on 50 successful years of providing services to residents in St. James.